Waste management and reduction guide for retail industry

16Section 3.How to introducea waste reductionprogram3.5 Determining a vision and terms of reference forthe eco/green groupA vision and terms of reference for the group will help its members, and thepublic, understand the waste reduction development process. This alsoshows the group is not merely a marketing exercise and encourages supportfrom, for example, Zero Waste SA, Environment Protection Authority, othergovernment agencies, KESAB, schools and environmental groups.Example vision for green action groupTo add a comprehensive environmental focus to a centre’s retail andmanagement operations and to raise community awareness of generalenvironmental issues through a range of educational and promotionalactivities within the centre.Example terms of reference forgreen action groupThe group will:■ become familiar with the basicprinciples of ecologicallysustainable development (ESD)(see definitions below)■ be familiar with the process ofdeveloping a waste reductionprogram for the centre■ set priorities for issues that affectthe centre and its stakeholders■ establish baseline data forcurrent issues in the centre■ set objectives to achieve thegroup’s vision■ arrange action plans toimplement and evaluatethe policy■ ensure the process is ongoingand reviewed regularly■ be aware that retailers in shoppingcentres are in a continuousstate of change. New tenantsand staff need to be inductedand fully informed of policiesand if interested, be given theopportunity to participate in theaction group.ESD definition‘Sustainable development isdevelopment that meets the needsof the present without compromisingthe ability of future generations tomeet their own needs.’(Our Common Future: The WorldCommission on Environmentand Development,G. Brundtland, ed., 1987).Australia’s National Strategyfor Ecologically SustainableDevelopment (1992) defines ESDas ‘using, conserving and enhancingthe community’s resources so thatecological processes, on whichlife depends, are maintained, andthe total quality of life, now and inthe future, can be increased’.